We took a two-day, one-night trip to Sokcho in mid-September. The cooler weather made it lovely for walking along the coast! With some time to spare before heading back to Seoul, we stopped at the ocean-view café Salon de Haebyeon across from Deungdae Beach.
On our first day in Sokcho, we visited another café, then walked past this one on the way to our accommodation and thought, ‘Ah, we should have come here!’ So we made sure to stop by before returning to Seoul.
It was Saturday morning, and the café was fairly quiet. We could just sit and gaze at the sea, which made for a wonderfully relaxing break.
Inside Salon de Haebyeon | Views from Floors 1–3
Salon de Haebyeon occupies three floors. It is not enormous, but I counted roughly 15 tables. There was also a table that looked suitable for a family of six to eight!
First-floor views and atmosphere
On pleasant days, the full-width doors at the front of the first floor open up. My favorite part was reclining in a lounge chair, almost like a hammock, while drinking coffee and taking in the sea breeze and salty air.
Cars parked right outside do interrupt the view from this level, so it is not quite an unobstructed panorama. Still, hearing the waves and feeling the breeze was so nice.
There is also a women’s restroom on the first floor.
Second- and third-floor views and atmosphere
From the second floor up, you get a sweeping ocean view. The windows stay closed, but the outlook is so good that there is still plenty of room to unwind and watch the sea!
Third-floor seats with an ocean view
Second-floor seats with an ocean view
There is also a men’s restroom on the second floor and a sofa area for groups on the third floor!
Café menu
We ordered an iced Americano and a café latte. Both tasted even better while we looked out at the water!
The dessert selection included
tiramisu cake
black sesame cake
fresh cream cake
chocolate terrine
and a few treats along those lines. We considered ordering dessert, but skipped it because we were about to have lunch.
Parking and facilities
Restrooms
There are separate restrooms for women and men inside the café.
Women’s restroom: first floor
Men’s restroom: second floor
Parking
I did not see a dedicated café parking lot when we visited. There were marked spaces along the beachside road in front, which other visitors appeared to use. Spaces may not always be available, so check the parking signs before leaving your car.
Smoking area
I did not notice a designated smoking area.
I did not check whether there are power outlets or seats suited to working. Most seats face the sea, so this felt better for a scenic break than for laptop time.
There were a few families when we went, but the café still felt unhurried. I would recommend it to couples who want a quiet chat by the sea or families looking for a short rest during their trip.
Choose the first floor for the sea breeze, or the second and third floors for a clearer ocean view.
